As Valentine’s Day approaches, isn’t it time to give some thought about relationships – among insects? On the weekend of Feb. 17 and 18. It will explore love bugs and bad romances during Arthropolooza! The Ultimate Bugfest.
Discover the fascinating world of arthropods—insects, arachnids, myriapods, and more. At the same time, activities and presentations will look at love from a whole new perspective: symbiotic relationships. Parasites need love, too!
Special guests will be on hand to display and answer questions about beneficial insects—and pests! An entomologist at the University of California at Riverside will talk about the devastating Asian citrus psyllid pest, its associated bacterial disease, and how the public can help protect the citrus industry. The UCR Entomology Department will set up interactive activities. Master Gardeners will share information on pollinators and about gardening for butterflies and beneficial insects. On Saturday only, San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services will provide information about mosquito and vector control.
Family fun activities include insect games, take-home creepy-crawly craft creations, insect stories and activities, and live insect encounters in the museum’s courtyard and Exploration Station. At the Museum Store visitors can purchase a variety of insect-related merchandise, from the ever-popular icky rubber bugs to insect books, toys, and posters.
“We are so excited to share the wonderful and wacky world of insect relationships,” said Jessika Vazquez, the museum’s curator of integrated sciences. “Symbiotic relationships are made up of complex interactions between two or more species. Understanding these interactions allows us to take a closer look at the vital role arthropods play in our ecosystem."